Alba plan to tackle cost of living crisis
A retired teacher, businessman, history buff and full-time student make up the South Ayrshire Alba Party candidates standing in next month’s election.
The candidates, standing for Ayr North, Prestwick, Kyle and Girvan & South Carrick, hope to execute Alba Party’s ‘5 Point Plan’ to tackle the cost-of-living crisis throughout the region.
The ‘5 Point Plan’ includes a £500 annual payment to everyone in receipt of Council Tax reduction, free breakfasts and school meals for all school pupils and doubling the rate of Educational Maintenance Allowance.
Free access to local sports facilities for under 18s and increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 per week are also part of the plan.
Full-time student and married mum-of-three, Denise Sommerville, who has lived and brought her children up in Ayr North, says she has first hand experience of the troubles that people face every day.
Denise has been active in the community for the last four years, using her voice to highlight the conditions of the Wallacetown area and pushing for solutions.
She said: “For too long, we in Ayr North have had things done for us, not by us – and if elected that’s what I aim to change.”
Eileen Spence, who lives in Girvan and is standing for Girvan & South Carrick ward, is a retired teacher who is deeply concerned about educational standards in Girvan schools.
Eileen has raised her concerns over South Ayrshire’s surveying of school pupils about their sex lives – asking questions that government ministers refused to answer.
John Caddis is the Convener of South Ayrshire Alba Party and is standing for Prestwick, where he lives.
History buff John has worked in various forms of employment including furniture restoration, retail as well as painting and decorating. He obtained qualifications in Social Sciences at Ayr College and has a keen interest in Scottish history.
Businessman Geoff Bush, who has a varied career in business behind him, wants to bring his experience and entrepreneurial ability to the County Buildings for the benefit of South Ayrshire residents, specifically those from the Kyle ward, where he is standing.